Category: Scripture Notes
-
A very small record
We don’t think of 500+pages as particularly small but considering the scope of history being covered this truly is a very small record. It should not surprise us that absolutely proving archeologically proves elusive from such a minute and specific record. This record was not made with the intent to historically prove the history of…
-
How secure did they feel?
We can look at the Nephite strategy and tactics against the Gadiantons and we can know that they succeeded. With that historical distance we can recognize that various moves as wise or assured but how did the neighbors feel? Were they confident in the plans they laid? (There were reasons they could view them with…
-
A complete reordering
Will we ever face a time when wickedness is so rampant and overt that society will be politically or socially restructured to survive it? I’ve never thought to ask that question before.
-
Not my servants
Speaking to those who think they are the chosen people, the Lord distinguishes between the experience of His servants and the experience of His audience. “My servants” shall receive blessings while “you” shall go without. That is an invitation to repent and be numbered among His servants.
-
Seeking adoption
The righteous who are not the literal descendants of Israel will desire to be remembered as children of the covenant and while the posterity of Israel will not recognize them, the Lord of the covenant will accept them for their righteous desire to follow after Him.
-
Outward works
The Jews may have claimed to be keeping the commandments, and they were keeping the performances of the law, but they had lost the Spirit of it. They would fast and make sure all could see they were fasting but they were not seeking the glory of the lord in doing so or to do…
-
Coming to a head
As the time came for the sign given by Samuel the people became more starkly divided between the believers and the unbelievers. I think we are and will see the same stark divisions asking people in our day.
-
Believe what you want
The ultimate support of individual agency is that Heavenly Father allows His children to choose what they will believe regardless of how much evidence He places before them.
-
Appeal to vanity
I wonder if any of the Nephites heard the words of Samuel about the Nephites vs the Lamanites and we’re drawn to his description of the Nephites as a chosen and blessed people.